Senate set to unmuzzle its ethics watchdog

OTTAWA — The Senate ethics watchdog could soon be allowed to speak about her work.

The changes introduced in the upper chamber Wednesday would allow the upper chamber’s ethics officer to review any complaint she wishes without requiring the approval, in some instances, of a committee of senators.

Senate ethics officer Lyse Ricard would also be allowed to speak publicly about preliminary reviews into senators who have run afoul of the conflict of interest code if the review is already publicly known, or if she has cleared the accused senator of wrongdoing.

“That’s what we’ve been calling for, that the (ethics officer) be making those decisions based on the evidence and the rules without the committee having a say,” said Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch.

“If these changes are implemented … the Senate ethics officer will finally have the opportunity to be a watchdog as opposed to a lap dog in the control of senators.”

The conflict of interest code forbids senators from using their position to garner a financially benefit for themselves or anyone else. The code requires every senator to post details of their financial investments and business interests.

Punishments, however, aren’t clearly defined. The proposed changes would clarify that a violation of the code could mean a slap on the wrist or, at worse, suspension. It would still rest with senators to decide which punishment fits what crime.

“Whenever you have politicians involved in any part of the enforcement regime, you’re tainting it with partisan interests,” Conacher said.

If approved, the rules would apply to future investigations, not current ones.

The ethics officer is looking into allegations that Conservative Sen. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu tried to get employment perks for a woman with whom he was romantically involved.